Sheet Pan Pesto Salmon with Lemon Potatoes
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
35 mins
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Total Time
45 mins
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Servings
2 people
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Sheet Pan Pesto Salmon with Lemon Potatoes
Description
The Sheet Pan Pesto Salmon with Lemon Potatoes combines halved fingerling or baby Yukon Gold potatoes tossed in olive oil, lemon zest, and dried thyme, then roasted until golden and caramelized. After about 20 minutes, the potatoes are pushed to the sides of the pan and topped with salmon fillets seasoned with salt, pepper, and covered in pesto. The sheet pan returns to the oven to roast the salmon until it is just cooked through and flakes easily. This method allows the potatoes and fish to cook together, infusing flavors. The lemon zest provides brightness to the potatoes, while the pesto adds a herbaceous richness to the salmon. Fresh chopped herbs can be sprinkled on top before serving for added freshness.
This dish is well suited for straightforward weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, as it requires minimal prep and cooking steps while delivering a flavorful, balanced plate with protein and vegetables. The single pan cooking makes cleanup easier.
Ingredients
- 1 pound fingerling potato halved, or baby yukon gold potatoes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest freshly grated
- ½ teaspoon thyme dried
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 pound salmon
- ¼ cup pesto
- herbs like basil or parsley, for topping, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
- Place the potatoes in a bowl. Toss them with the olive oil, lemon zest, thyme, salt and pepper until each potato is coated. Spread them on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- Roast the potatoes for 20 minutes, or until they begin to get golden and caramely (larger potatoes may take a bit longer - 5 or 10 minutes more). Remove the pan from the oven and use a spatula to push the potatoes to the edges.
- Place the salmon (if it has skin, place it skin-side down) on the baking sheet. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cover the top with the pesto. Place the sheet back in the oven and roast for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the salmon is opaque and flakes with a fork.